New York’s animal lovers have one less thing to worry about. And so do the city’s stray cats. Local architects donated their design and engineering skills to an animal-rescue mission by designing warm, weatherproof, portable and safe shelters for New York City’s stray cats.

Global asset management firm, the Carlyle Group purchased an industrial warehouse near the westside High Line for $16 million, according to public records filed with the city yesterday, Dec. 27. The firm has plans for a 10-story residential building on the site.

And so, Facebook Inc.–headed by San Francisco Haute Lister Marc Zuckerberg– is expected to go public in the spring at a valuation of $100 billion or more, which would place it proudly amongst the most valuable companies in the world. Facebook’s IPO is expected to create over 1000 millionaires.

Hotel Chatter reports that the Cooper Square Hotel is now officially rebranded as Andre Balazs’ Standard East Village.

Danny Meyer appeared on CNBC this afternoon to speak of his next venture, North End Grill, scheduled to open sometime next week in Battery Park City Hotel, with Executive Chef Floyd Cardoz behind the menu.

Following Midtown’s successful Ayza Wine and Chocolate bar, “an oasis for dessert, chocolate, and exquisitely paired wines”, comes a new West Village location of the same chocolate great.

Zynga is a proud member of the 2012 IPO class (NASDAQ:ZNGA) and though the stock has had a tumultuous first week, analyst agree that is simply the beginning.

As we recently reported, Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club will unveil its new restaurant, $10 million renovations and technological upgrades on Jan. 18. Some of the renovations, implemented by designer Jeffrey Beers, include a new amber lit bar top, an illuminated bottle display tower, leather wall installations, huge LED TV’s, new VIP lounges, oak wood floors and a new Broadway Grand Entrance.

Eater NY tells us Torrisi Italian Specialties, the Nolita Italian hub from Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, is now accepting online reservations for their “classic” $60 four-course prix fixe. You can also make reservations for their new $125 New York City History based menu by calling the restaurant directly.